Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Medal, Post 1945, Peacekeeping, United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC), 1991-92

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Orders, Medals and Awards
Overview

UNAMIC was established in October 1991 to facilitate communications between the military headquarters of the four Cambodian Parties in matters relating to the cease-fire and to undertake a mine-awareness training role. Subsequently, this mandate was extended to include training in mine clearance and the initiation of a de-mining programme. The mandate for this Mission expired in March 1992 with the establishment of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia.

Historical information

Australia's participation in UNAMIC began on 9 November 1991 with the deployment of the Australian contingent.

Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Russell Stuart, the first contingent was codenamed 'Operation Goodwill'.

The first 40 signallers (communications staff) arrived in Phnom Penh on 10 November, the day after UNAMIC headquarters opened. Later on, Australia's commitment was increased to 65 personnel.

The Australians were stationed in Phnom Penh and small detachments throughout the Cambodian countryside. Their role was to help the UN by reporting any ceasefire violations to prevent the escalation of conflict.

While the contingent was only small, the Australians were exposed to danger throughout their mission.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-32-57=756
Inscriptions and markings

Each United Nations medal is identical in design, with a unique ribbon to identify the specific mission. The UNAMIC Mission ribbon contains a white central stripe flanked by dark blue, gold and red stripes, representing the Cambodian flags. These are bordered on either side by a band of UN blue.

Qualifying time for the medal is 90 days of service in the Mission

Contextual Information

National Peacekeepers' Day: On 14 September each year, Australia observes National Peacekeeper’s Day, the anniversary of Australia becaming the world's first peacekeepers to deploy into the field, in the Netherlands East Indies in 1947.

International Day of UN Peacekeepers: 29 May is a day of commemoration and acknowledgement of all military, police and civilian personnel who have served as peacekeepers with the UN. Since UN peacekeeping began, more than 4,000 peacekeepers from many countries have lost their lives while performing their duties under the UN flag.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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UNAMIC

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